Mandatory Helmets: Pune Traffic Police Enforce Two-Wheeler Safety For Personnel

Pune, 15th February 2024: From today, all traffic personnel associated with the Pune police are now required to wear helmets while riding two-wheelers.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Shashikant Borate issued an official order on Wednesday, making it mandatory for the 950 personnel in the traffic police branch, a majority of whom commute on two-wheelers.

“The law mandates helmets for two-wheeler riders. However, it was observed that many of our police personnel were not adhering to this rule while riding. Therefore, we have initiated the enforcement of the helmet rule among our staff, including officers and constables,” stated Borate.

Traffic police officers will actively enforce this measure, penalizing helmetless personnel riding two-wheelers with a fine of Rs 500 each, in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicle Act.

According to data from the traffic police, bikers accounted for 57% of road crash fatalities in Pune city between 2019 and 2022, with 514 deaths during this period.

A senior police officer commented, “This initiative aims to set an example for other police personnel. If successful, we may extend the helmet mandate to other members of the police force as well.”